[Michael.S.Participant]

whats up u got any insider from espn you are willing to share? thanks.

[knicksfreakParticipant]

Nah. Ford’s draft rumors was posted yesterday and ESPN pretty much shuts down on the weekends. If you see anything that you want me to post, I will.

[Michael.S.Participant]

thanks,but i dont see anything interesting either

[ball4life66Participant]

Has there been anything said on Gani Lawal?

[dwat4444Participant]

Hey Knicksfreak can you post Chad fords mock 4.0 and this rumor link here. pleeeeezzz buddeee…
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=DraftBuzz-090612&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fdraft2009%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3dford_chad%26page%3dDraftBuzz-090612

[knicksfreakParticipant]

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

L.A. Clippers

Blake Griffin
Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 248 pounds
Age: 20
School: Oklahoma

Analysis: The Clippers brought in Blake Griffin for a public workout and continue to be on the path to select him with the No. 1 pick. Sources around the league say that trade talks with the Clippers are virtually nonexistent when it comes to Griffin. In other words, Griffin will be a Clipper. Meanwhile, the Clippers are focusing on finding a new home for Chris Kaman or Zach Randolph.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Memphis

Hasheem Thabeet
Position: C
Height: 7-3
Weight: 267
Age: 22
School: Connecticut

Analysis: The Grizzlies continue to be a bit of an enigma right now. They are talking to a number of teams about a potential trade, and teams including the Kings, Wizards, Knicks, Rockets and Celtics have shown interest. The Grizzlies continue to publicly pursue Ricky Rubio, as well, although a well-placed source in the point guard’s camp said it’s likely (though not definite) that Rubio will skip Memphis when he goes on a three-city U.S. tour next week.

There also have been rumblings that Tyreke Evans is in the mix in Memphis. But when the dust clears, it looks as though the most likely scenario has Thabeet in Memphis on draft night if the Grizzlies keep the pick.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Oklahoma City

Ricky Rubio
Position: PG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 180
Age: 18
Country: Spain

Analysis: The Thunder have been their typical quiet selves. GM Sam Presti has told a number of agents that he is interested in their players, but it has been difficult to ascertain the direction toward which the team is leaning.

We continue to hear that the Thunder have expressed interest in Rubio, Thabeet, James Harden, Jordan Hill and Stephen Curry.

Rubio likely will make a visit to OKC sometime before the draft, but major questions exist about how he would fit there. The team sees Russell Westbrook as its point guard of the future and isn’t sure how he would fare without the ball in his hands. Maybe more importantly, Presti is an opportunist. If he can get a couple of good assets in return for the No. 3 pick, he won’t be afraid to pull the trigger.

But if he doesn’t, and if Rubio is off the board, the team will have to make a tough decision. Thabeet would give the Thunder the shot-blocking they desperately need. Harden would give them the savvy of a veteran. Curry would give them shooting. Hill would give them rebounding and energy. Oklahoma City could use all those things, but our guess is that it will settle on Harden.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Sacramento

Tyreke Evans
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 220
Age: 19
School: Memphis

Analysis: Another week, another player for the Kings. I think, ideally, the Kings will figure out a way to move up in the draft. They’ve had some preliminary discussions with the Grizzlies, but the price is high. Moving up two spots would cost them the No. 4 pick and last year’s lottery pick, Jason Thompson. That’s a high price for Rubio. Probably too high.

If they don’t trade up and if Rubio doesn’t fall to them, they will be in a tough position. The team needs a point guard, preferably a big one, and two players stand out. Jrue Holiday’s combination of size and defensive ability is intriguing. However, his lack of production at UCLA is a big concern. Evans was much more productive at Memphis and has terrific upside as a scoring point. The other possibilities here include Brandon Jennings, Jonny Flynn and Curry.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Washington

James Harden
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 222
Age: 19
School: Arizona State
Analysis: As we’ve been reporting since draft lottery night, the Wizards continue to shop the pick. A source in Washington told me that they’ve had a number of interesting offers. Their goal is to get back a veteran who can play right now — and to shed a few million dollars off their cap if possible.

A number of teams — including the Knicks, Mavericks, Rockets and Pacers — are possibilities here. If the Wizards keep the pick, they’ll have a tough choice between Harden and Hill. From the intel I’ve received, it sounds as though Harden might be slightly ahead.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Minnesota

Stephen Curry
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 181
Age: 21
School: Davidson

Analysis: The Wolves really need help at center and point guard. There aren’t any centers left worth taking. They’ve been looking at Evans here, but in this mock draft, he’s already off the board. Curry becomes an interesting prospect if Evans is gone.

He can play both positions on the floor and combined with Randy Foye could give the Wolves a pretty formidable backcourt. Curry’s maturity, his dead-eye shooting and his name recognition all make this a pretty smart pick for the Wolves.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Golden State

Jrue Holiday
Position: PG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 199
Age: 18
School: UCLA
Analysis: The Warriors don’t have a traditional point guard and while Don Nelson would prefer a veteran I think it will be hard for them to pass on Jrue Holiday if he’s still on the board. Holiday isn’t nearly as polished as Flynn, but he gives them some much-needed size and defense in the backcourt next to Monta Ellis. I also expect that the Warriors will take a long look at Brandon Jennings here. But his lack of size hurts him a bit.

And while were at it, I’m hearing significant buzz that Louisville’s Terrence Williams is also high on the board at Golden State. Seven seems too high, but don’t be surprised if the Warriors are willing to do a swap to get him.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

New York

Jonny Flynn
Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 196
Age: 20
School: Syracuse

Analysis: The Knicks will be disappointed if Curry is off the board, but they still have a chance to really help their backcourt. The question is whether they go for experience or upside. Flynn has the ability to come in and play right away in New York. Jennings has more long-term upside. I think Jennings playing a year in Italy will make him intriguing to Mike D’Antoni, but Flynn is more of a pure point guard right now and that’s what the Knicks need.

And while we’re on the subject, don’t count out one sleeper here — Ohio State’s B.J. Mullens. His combination of size and athleticism is intriguing. He’s far from ready, but the Knicks need a big man and they are intrigued.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Toronto

DeMar DeRozan
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 211
Age: 19
School: USC
Analysis: The Raptors have some needs on the wing since Anthony Parker and Shawn Marion are hitting free agency. On talent alone, DeMar DeRozan is one of the most gifted players in the draft. His strong play at the end of the season combined with a confident performance at the combine could push him higher.

But if he’s here, sources say the Raptors won’t pass. If DeRozan is gone, they’ll decide between Duke’s Gerald Henderson and Holiday.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Milwaukee

Jordan Hill
Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 232
Age: 21
School: Arizona
Analysis: The Bucks will jump for joy if this scenario happens. Hill is a top-five talent, but if the Wizards pass, he may slip here. None of the other teams are really after a power forward. Hill would be a godsend for the Bucks.

They face losing both of their free agents — Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions — this summer due to financial constraints. That loss could leave them wide open at both the point and the 4.

If Hill is gone, they’ll try to find the best player among Flynn, Holiday, Jennings, Jeff Teague and Earl Clark.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

New Jersey

Tyler Hansbrough
Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 234
Age: 23
School: North Carolina
Analysis: Rod Thorn has said he needs a moose, but it won’t be easy to find one here. The Nets have needs at both forward positions but the three best candidates, DeJuan Blair, Earl Clark and James Johnson, all have issues. Blair’s medical reports have created major red flags about his knees. Johnson is carrying around some baggage from Wake Forest. And Clark isn’t the physical player they’re really looking for.

That has caused two new players to emerge on their list — Tyler Hansbrough and Terrence Williams. Williams has his own set of issues that teams are sorting through which gives Hansbrough a legit shot at going this high. He isn’t going to be a dominant player in the league, but he’s been productive, is as tough as nails and has measured better, in size and athletically, than people predicted.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Charlotte

Gerald Henderson
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 215
Age: 21
School: Duke

Analysis: Since shipping Jason Richardson to Phoenix in December, the Bobcats have some needs in the backcourt. Raja Bell can’t hold down the fort forever.

While they hope a player like DeRozan or Evans falls here, they can settle for Henderson. Henderson isn’t the best offensive 2-guard in the draft, but he’s NBA-ready and can play lockdown defense.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Indiana

Austin Daye
Position: SF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 192
Age: 20
School: Gonzaga

Analysis: The Pacers’ biggest need is an athletic big man who can score and block shots. Unfortunately, there aren’t any of those guys in the draft this year. They are also looking for a starting point guard. But if the draft plays out like this, the Pacers would have to reach.

The good news is that Daye could be a great fit, especially if they start playing Danny Granger more at the 4. Daye’s shooting ability and upside remind some of, dare we say, Jonathan Bender.

They’ll also give a long look to Jennings and Jeff Teague here.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Phoenix

Brandon Jennings
Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 165
Age: 19
Country: Italy
Analysis: The Suns could go in a lot of directions depending on where GM Steve Kerr decides to take the team. There’s been a lot of talk about Earl Clark here and I think he makes a lot of sense. But they may have a hard time passing on Jennings if he’s still on the board.

Eventually, Steve Nash is going to slow down, and Jennings has the talent to be a big-time point guard down the road. With a year or two of tutoring from Nash, he could be a special player.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Detroit

Earl Clark
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226
Age: 21
School: Louisville

Analysis: The Pistons will begin their summer makeover in the draft. They’d love to add a dominant low-post scorer, but there just isn’t anyone available there. They’ll have a tough decision between two upside guys. Clark could be the second coming of Lamar Odom if he’s willing to put in the work.

The versatile forward can play both the 3 and the 4, is amazing in transition, is an excellent rebounder and an emerging shooter. And he has the capability (albeit not always the inclination) to play great defense.

James Johnson is smaller but tougher. He is also inconsistent but has major upside. Both guys have questions about their background.

I think Clark gets the edge based on size. He’s big enough to be a full-time 4 in the NBA.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Chicago

DeJuan Blair
Position: PF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 277
Age: 20
School: Pittsburgh
Analysis: There’s been talk that the Bulls may take a look at Hansbrough. He definitely is a John Paxson-type of player. However, we now have him off the board. The Bulls will have a tough choice here between Blair, James Johnson and B.J. Mullens.

Johnson is a talent who could give the Bulls an offensive lift at the 4. Mullens has the most long-term upside at a position where the Bulls need help. But Blair, even with his long-term knee issues, looks like the right fit in Chicago. He’s physical, a beast on the boards and gives the Bulls some much-needed toughness on the frontline.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Philadelphia

Eric Maynor
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 164
Age: 21
School: VCU

Analysis: With Andre Miller hitting free agency this summer, look for the Sixers to address the point guard position. Lou Williams is nice but not really a lead guard.

Maynor would give Philly the total package as one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. Teague will also get a look here, but he’s more of a combo guard and the Sixers have that in Williams.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Minnesota
(via Miami)

B.J. Mullens
Position: C
Height: 7-1
Weight: 258
Age: 20
School: Ohio State

Analysis: The Wolves don’t have a true center, and Mullens is likely to be the best one remaining on the board. At the beginning of the season, he was ranked in our top five, but he slipped because, although his talent remains, he’s years away from being ready. However, a lottery team with lots of first-round picks such as Minnesota can roll the dice and pray the gamble pays off.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Atlanta

Jeff Teague
Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 175
Age: 20
School: Wake Forest
Analysis: The Hawks have blown it repeatedly when they’ve needed a point guard in the draft. They passed on Chris Paul to draft Marvin Williams and passed on Rajon Rondo to draft Shelden Williams.

Then, two years ago, when they finally got around to picking a point guard, they took Acie Law ahead of Rodney Stuckey.

The choice here likely will come down to Teague and Ty Lawson. Lawson has the experience and leadership credentials, but Teague has the sizzle and upside.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Utah

Sam Young
Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 223
Age: 24
School: Pittsburgh

Analysis: The Jazz are hoping that Hansbrough slips to them here. But if he’s off the board, they’ll likely be deciding between James Johnson, Sam Young and Toney Douglas.

Johnson will be more of a fit in Utah. With it likely that Carlos Boozer is gone this summer they’ll have a lot of need in their frontcourt. The question is whether they can put up with Johnson’s sometimes difficult on-court personality.

Douglas is the type of combo guard the Jazz currently lack. He shoots it, plays defense and could be a credible backup at both positions for Utah.

However, Young is the type of tough, grizzled veteran the Jazz love. He’s ready to step in and play right now and give them minutes at both the 2 and the 3.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

New Orleans

James Johnson
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 258
Age: 22
School: Wake Forest

Analysis: Johnson is a steal if he falls this far. His range is anywhere between 11 and 21, but there have been enough background concerns about Johnson’s role in Wake Forest’s demise to have him slide just a bit.

If he falls this far, the Hornets have to thrilled. He gives them some much-needed athleticism on their frontline and should be able to get some minutes at both the 3 and 4.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Dallas

Terrence Williams
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 213
Age: 21
School: Louisville

Analysis: The Mavs have been willing to take a chance on big-time athletes with a questionable background. It worked for them with Josh Howard and it might work again with Williams. He has lottery talent, and if he can focus and improve that jump shot, he could be a long-term replacement for Jerry Stackhouse. Ty Lawson is also a possibility here.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Sacramento
(via Houston)

Ty Lawson
Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 199
Age: 21
School: North Carolina

Analysis: The Kings are already taking one combo guard with their first pick, but after last year’s debacle at the point, they can afford to take another one and hope that they can find a new home for Beno Udrih.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Portland

DaJuan Summers
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 243
Age: 21
School: Georgetown

Analysis: The Blazers are looking at trading this pick. But if they keep it, the Blazers can add another forward who can play both the 3 and the 4. Summers already has an NBA body and has that shooting ability the team really covets.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Oklahoma City
(via San Antonio)

Chase Budinger
Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 206
Age: 21
School: Arizona
Analysis: The Thunder would love to get their hands on a center, but there isn’t anyone worth really gambling on at this point in the draft. If the team doesn’t address its needs at the 2 earlier in the draft, Budinger could be an option. His shooting ability would be a nice complement in the backcourt to Russell Westbrook.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Chicago
(via Denver)

Toney Douglas
Position: SG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 184
Age: 23
School: Florida State
Analysis: Douglas is an insurance policy should Ben Gordon bolt this summer. He’s not as talented a shooter, but he’s good enough to play both backcourt positions in Chicago and his defense will earn him minutes right from the get-go.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Memphis
(via Orlando)

Gani Lawal
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 229
Age: 19
School: Georgia Tech

Analysis: Lawal is raw, but he’s the type of athletic, rebounding machine the Grizzlies currently lack. He’s not going to give you too much on the offensive end, but that’s what Marc Gasol and Darrell Arthur are for.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Minnesota
(via Boston)

Victor Claver
Position: SF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 217
Age: 20
School: Spain

Analysis: It seems doubtful that the Wolves would keep three rookies on their roster next season, which gives them an interesting choice of international players. Omri Casspi would be an obvious choice. He’s tough, physical and can keep developing overseas.

But Claver has more long-term upside and, in a few years, could be a great pick if he continues to develop in Spain.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

L.A. Lakers

Darren Collison
Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 166
Age: 21
School: UCLA

Analysis: Collison is a small guard, something Phil Jackson isn’t a big fan of. But he’s super fast, has a smooth jumper and can get after it defensively. With Derek Fisher winding down his career, he’s worth a gamble here.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Cleveland

Derrick Brown
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 225
Age: 21
School: Xavier

Analysis: The Cavs could lose both Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao this summer. And after getting bested by the Magic, the need for them to have some athletic 4s who can guard players on the perimeter is paramount.

DeMarre Carroll is a real possibility here, but after having his physical red-flagged, he may slip out of the first.

[knicksfreakParticipant]

With two weeks to go before the 2009 NBA draft, the draft rumors are starting to flow.

Here’s the latest we are hearing around the league:

• Of all the teams that have been active in trade discussions the past few weeks, the appearance of the Celtics has been the most surprising and the most interesting.

While the Celtics have shot down a rumor that they were talking to the Suns about an Amare Stoudemire for Rajon Rondo swap … we keep hearing their name more and more in conjunction with a top-to-mid first-round draft pick — a sign that Danny Ainge must see someone he likes up high.

While various sources have different players pegged, there seems to be some consensus that one player in particular — Memphis’ Tyreke Evans — is an Ainge favorite.

If the Celtics are going to get Evans, they’ll have to get somewhere in the top 10, most likely the top five.

The Grizzlies, Thunder and Wizards all have picks in the top five and have been open to swapping their picks. While it’s doubtful that Rondo is their bait, Ray Allen and his expiring contract could be.

The Celtics could trade Allen to Memphis for a combination of Darko Milicic, Greg Buckner and Marko Jaric. That could save the Grizzlies a little money now and a lot of money next year … but that seems like a stretch. The Grizzlies don’t need Allen and I’m sure he wouldn’t be thrilled to play there.

The Thunder aren’t great partners either. They don’t really have any bad contracts and while Allen would give them a nice veteran perimeter presence, they’re not giving up the No. 3 pick in the draft to get him.

The Kings have also reached out to the Celtics and would be willing to deal the No. 4 pick if they could get Rondo in return. The Celtics would likely want more than just the No. 4 pick for Rondo — and the Kings might be willing to throw in either Jason Thompson or Spencer Hawes to make it happen.

That leaves the Wizards, who are really intriguing. Allen is a fit in Washington. The Wizards are a veteran team that is looking for another piece to make it a contender. Allen also is in the last year of his contract, which means the Wizards could get some long-term cap relief if they put together the right deal. Would trading Allen for Etan Thomas, Mike James, Darius Songaila and the No. 5 pick make sense for the Wizards and Celtics?

If Boston can’t find a workable deal in the top five, several other teams including the Nets (11), Pistons (15), Bulls (16, 26), Wolves (18), Kings (23) and Grizzlies (27) are open to moving their picks. While those wouldn’t be high enough to land Evans, it would get the Celtics a solid pick in the first.

The Mavs, Rockets, Knicks and Pacers also have interest in the Wizards’ No. 5 pick. And a report surfaced over the week that the Wizards would be open to doing something with the Spurs if they could get their hands on Manu Ginobili. Good luck with that. Gregg Popovich isn’t letting him go for the fifth pick in a weak draft.

Flynn
• The workout of the week will be in Sacramento this Friday. Jonny Flynn, Jrue Holiday and Brandon Jennings go head-to-head in what should be the tiebreaker for the No. 4 pick in the draft if Ricky Rubio isn’t on the board.

The other two candidates for the Kings’ pick — James Harden and Evans — have already been in. Harden had a respiratory infection that hurt his workout a bit. The fact that he plays the same position as the Kings’ best player — Kevin Martin — doesn’t help his cause either.

Evans struggled with his shot and may have shot himself in the foot in an interview when he complained about not being able to work out against other players, but then subsequently balked when the Kings offered to put Terrence Williams in a workout against him. So much for my latest mock draft that has Evans at No. 4. And sources say the Kings are also leaning against Hasheem Thabeet if he’s on the board at No. 4.

That leaves the point guards.

What’s interesting is that this is Holiday’s second workout in Sacramento. The Kings loved him the first time and seem to be leaning in his direction. Holiday’s size, defense and upside won them over a bit. If he holds his own versus Flynn and Jennings, he could be the guy.

Curry
• Stephen Curry finally got his workout for the Knicks on Wednesday. There was your typical media frenzy and Curry gushing about playing in New York.

Curry, as expected, shot the lights out and wowed the Knicks brass. But whether Curry actually lands in New York on draft night is still up for debate. A number of teams including the Wizards, Wolves and Warriors could take him before then. And if an elite player slips, like Thabeet or Harden, the Knicks may be persuaded to go in a different direction.

But all things being equal, the chances that Curry winds up in New York, something we pegged back in January, remain high.

But here’s what I think is really interesting. A number of agents have approached the Knicks with a proposition of sorts: You promise to draft my guy and I won’t work him out for teams drafting above the Knicks. Why? Not only are the marketing opportunities off the charts for players in New York, but many players really want to play for Mike D’Antoni.

• The Nets are hosting a huge, 22-team workout starting Friday. The Hawks, Celtics, Mavs, Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, Pacers, Lakers, Grizzlies, Heat, Nets, Hornets, Knicks, Magic, Sixers, Suns, Blazers, Kings, Spurs, Raptors, Jazz and Wizards are all sending representatives.

This is the last chance for many teams to see most of the mid-to-late prospects in force. Take out the potential lottery prospects and the list of players reads as a who’s who of the draft. For a number of these players, this is their last chance to get feedback before the June 15 date.

Here’s a look at who’s participating in the six sessions:

Friday, June 12: 9:30 a.m. session
Player Pos. Last
Lester Hudson SG Tenn-Martin
Austin Daye SF Gonzaga
Omri Casspi SF Israel
Darren Collison PG UCLA
Derrick Brown PF Xavier
Gani Lawal PF Ga. Tech

This group has two big underclassmen, Gani Lawal and Austin Daye, who have yet to decide whether they’ll stay in the draft. This might be a tough workout for Daye.

Lawal and Omri Casspi are pretty physical and that’s usually a problem for Daye. Derrick Brown is also working hard to differentiate himself from the pack.

I’m sure Darren Collison wishes he were in the next workout with Maynor and Teague.

UPDATE: The word inside the gym on Friday morning was that Casspi and Brown looked the best in the morning session.

——————————————————————————–
Friday, June 12: 11:15 a.m. session
Player Pos. Last
Eric Maynor PG VCU
Jimmy Baron G URI
Chase Budinger SG Arizona
Joe Ingles SF Australia
Jeff Teague PG Wake Forest
Paul Harris SG Syracuse

The Jeff Teague versus Eric Maynor matchup is a really good one.

Teague is also on the fence about staying in the draft, though right now it seems likely that he stays in. He was injured in the Minnesota workout, straining an MCL, but now he’s been cleared to work out again.

UPDATE: The word inside the gym on Friday afternoon was that Maynor looked fantastic and that Budinger shot the lights out.

——————————————————————————–

Saturday, June 13: 9:30 a.m. session
Player Pos. School
Lee Cummard SG/SF BYU
DaJuan Summers SF Georgetown
Damion James SF Texas
Nick Calathes SG/PG Florida
Wes Matthews SG Marquette
Danny Green SF UNC

Really solid group of 3s here. DaJuan Summers has the most buzz right now. Damion James is a possible first-rounder if he decides to stay in the draft.

But the big surprise is the re-emergence of Nick Calathes. He skipped the NBA draft combine and is supposed to be playing pro ball in Greece this season. Sources say he recently asked to be back on the list. I’m trying to get to the bottom of this …

——————————————————————————–

Saturday, June 13: 11:15 a.m. session
Player Pos. Last
Greivis Vasquez SG Maryland
Wayne Ellington SG UNC
Taj Gibson PF USC
Patrick Beverley PG Ukraine
Jermaine Taylor SG UCF
Ahmad Nivins PF St. Joseph’s

You can tell Patrick Beverley isn’t getting a lot of love as a point guard, being thrown into the mix with mostly 2-guards.

Greivis Vasquez has a tough decision to make as well. His chances of landing in the first round seem slim. Gibson is on the rise, according to some scouts.

——————————————————————————–
Sunday, June 14: 9:30 a.m. session
Player Pos. School
Ryan Toolson SG Utah Valley
Luke Harangody PF Notre Dame
Jack McClinton SG Miami
Josh Heytvelt PF Gonzaga
Luke Nevill C Utah

Ohio State center B.J. Mullens was slated to appear but pulled out of the workout on Friday. His agent gave word to the Nets that he had a promise in the Top 16 and was shutting down workouts. We’ll see if the agent is telling the truth on draft night.

Luke Harangody has gotten a lot of buzz in workouts. It will be interesting to see what he decides to do on Monday.

I don’t think he’s a first-rounder, but he may be OK with a place in the second round. Jack McClinton is another guy to keep an eye on. He’s generated some love of late too and has a shot of landing in the late first to early second.

——————————————————————————–

Sunday, June 14: 11:15 a.m. session
Player Pos. School
DeMarre Carroll PF Missouri
Josh Shipp SG UCLA
Jeremy Pargo PG Gonzaga
Taylor Griffin PF Oklahoma
Dionte Christmas SG Temple
Paul Delaney PG/SG UAB

This is probably the weakest group of the day. Carroll has some buzz, despite an inaccurate Internet report that said he may need a liver transplant soon.

The appearance of Daye, Mullens, Chase Budinger, Teague and Maynor in the New Jersey workout is a good sign that despite various reports, they don’t know where they’re going on draft night.

They aren’t the only ones. A few other players who originally refused to work out outside the top 10 are now starting to cave in and work out outside the original spectrum set by their agents.

They include Earl Clark, who did a workout with the Pistons this week. Wake Forest’s James Johnson is in the same boat. And UCLA’s Holiday has a workout scheduled with the Pacers at No. 13. In each case, the players are trying to find their “floor,” the place they know they won’t slip past in the draft. No one wants to re-create Rashard Lewis’ green room situation on draft night. It’s a player’s, and agent’s, worst nightmare.

Meanwhile a couple of other players seem to be pretty confident about their range. Flynn isn’t doing workouts outside the top 10. Neither is Brandon Jennings, DeMar DeRozan or Jordan Hill.

——————————————————————————–

• Speaking of guys all over the map, Louisville’s Williams continues to be the toughest guy in the draft to peg. The Warriors are giving him a serious look at No. 7. The Nets also have interest at No. 11 and the list goes on from there. I doubt he slips past Dallas at No. 22 … but that’s a huge range from 7 to 22, the biggest I’ve seen this close to the draft in a while.

• Sweden’s Jonas Jerebko antagonized a few GMs when he showed up at the Reebok Eurocamp last Sunday and refused to play, telling me he was “too tired” to play after his team was jettisoned from the playoffs last Wednesday. However, he did play on Monday and looked really impressive according to the handful of NBA guys still there.

However, the word now, from his agents, is that Jerebko is refusing to work out for teams looking at him in the second round. Multiple teams told me that his agents are telling them that he won’t slip out of the first round. With several teams sporting multiple first-round picks and a few others needing to draft a European and stash him overseas for a few years to save money, I think we’re going to need to move Jerebko into the first round of our next mock draft.

Dasic
• Meanwhile, one prominent international underclassman, Vladimir Dasic, is withdrawing from the draft. Dasic’s agents informed teams this week that he’s not coming over to the states for workouts and will be pulling out of the draft.

Dasic has an NBA body and game, but has been a very sporadic producer on the court. The chances he could crack the first round seemed slim. If he can get to a better team in Europe and produce, he’ll have a better first-round shot next year.

• This time of year a lot of misinformation is flying around the league. Everyone is on pins and needles. I, and every other reporter, get an angry call from a team, agent or player’s parent from time to time complaining that a story is inaccurate or unfair.

Usually the misinformation is harmless. But in the case of an inaccurate Internet report this week on the health of two draft prospects, it can have scarier implications.

An Internet draft site this week claimed that Missouri’s DeMarre Carroll may need a “liver transplant in the near or long-term future,” and that UConn’s A.J. Price still had a brain aneurism that could jeopardize his career.

Yes, Carroll does have an issue with his liver. It’s been known for several years and, according to Carroll’s agent Mark Bartelstein, it is something that has been treated with medication.

But a liver transplant in the near future?

Bartelstein told ESPN.com that Dr. Jeffrey Crippin, the Marilyn Bornefeld Endowed Chair in GI Research and Treatment at Washington University in St. Louis, has been treating Carroll for the past two years and has assured Bartelstein that the issue will have no effect on Carroll’s NBA career.

Bartelstein said Crippin was preparing a report that would be sent to every team giving further explanation about the condition.

Bartelstein’s take was consistent with the take of two NBA doctors who, sources said, had cleared Carroll to be drafted.

“The docs said it’s worth taking a look at, but it shouldn’t have an effect on his NBA career and hasn’t caused any issues in college,” one source said.

Bartelstein wasn’t the only one bristling.

Agent Jeff Schwartz also took umbrage at the same Internet report. His client, A.J. Price, was also targeted. The site said that Price “still has an aneurysm in an artery of his brain that could become a serious issue later in his career.”

According to Schwartz, along with two NBA sources who have seen the report, the NBA actually gave him a clean bill of health.

“A.J. does not have still have an aneurysm,” Schwartz told ESPN.com. “It’s completely untrue.”

Schwartz said the NBA lead doctor will send a message to all 30 teams Friday confirming that there was no aneurysm in Price’s MRI.

Said one NBA executive who has seen the original medical report. “I don’t know who would’ve read the report and thought it said that. There was nothing.”

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